Firelands Winery

Firelands Winery

The premier winery both locally and within the state of Ohio, Firelands Winery has been a leader in the emergence and popularity of regional American wines. Consumers throughout the country are searching for high quality wines native to their region, and Firelands has responded by producing nationally acclaimed wines from locally grown grapes.

Thanks to ongoing research, new technology and continuing commitment to producing quality wines, Firelands is making extraordinary wines available at reasonable prices. Wine drinkers across Ohio are starting to appreciate what they have in their own back yard, as our reputation spreads throughout the state and the nation.

Our History

Firelands Winery is the vanguard facility for Lonz, Inc., the parent company owning the Firelands, Mon Ami, Lonz, Mantey, and Dover wine lines. The name “Firelands Winery” was chosen to signify the area in which the original winery was located. During the Revolutionary War, the Firelands region of north central Ohio was allotted to Connecticut citizens whose homes were burned by the British. As they resettled, they brought with them their wine making heritage, and a love for fine wines. Heritage is important at Firelands. The original wine cellar at Firelands, built in 1880 by the Edward Mantey family, has been incorporated into the present Sandusky facility. In 1979, the Mantey Winery was purchased by Bob Gottesman, owner of Paramount Distillers, who had a vision for a better Ohio wine product. His vision revived the lagging Ohio wine industry and helped propel it into the future. With the addition of Claudio Salvador as wine maker, the wines have steadily improved and are now national and international award winners. Salvador is an Ohio Wine Hall of Fame inductee.

Lonz Inc. was formed when John Kronberg, another wine visionary, and Claudio purchased the wineries from Paramount Distillers in 2002. Firelands is currently the largest producing winery in Ohio. Committed to quality, Firelands has shown steady growth as customers discover this gem of the east and choose Firelands wines. We welcome you to try our wines, compare our quality to any state or country, and we’re sure you’ll be back!

The Tasting Room, Gift Shop and the Osteria Gusto are open year-round. Firelands Winery is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day, and may close early Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Please call (419) 625-5474 to confirm hours of operation.

Bus Tours

We offer a deluxe group tour for 25 or more with advanced scheduling. Tours are $8.00 + tax per person and include tastings of four different wines, juices, cheese and crackers, and a souvenir glass. Please allow 1 to 1-1/2 hours for tour and tasting. There is no charge for driver or escort. Drop off at front door; free on-site parking. Fees are payable by cash, check or credit card.

GIFT SHOP

Stop in and let us help you with your birthday, holiday or other special gift giving. We have many unique gifts and services that can simplify your life and give you more time to enjoy the events with friends and loved ones. Our wine and gift baskets make wonderful gifts that are always appreciated and enjoyed. Why not personalize some wine with your own special greeting, or, send an assortment of fine wines?

Our Process

Only a mile and a half wide and even less in length, Isle St. George (also known as North Bass Island) is crisscrossed by a network of underground limestone caves. As the warm lake water circulates through these caves, ground frost is delayed until late fall. When the fall air becomes cooler, the warm lake water heats the surrounding air and land. Before winter sets in, the lake islands enjoy a 200-day frost-free growing season, remarkable and unusual for this climate. On North Bass Island, the grapes are harvested as much as six weeks after harvesting ends on the mainland. The United States Government has recognized the area’s unique climate, soil, topographic and historic conditions that produce distinctive characteristics in the grapes grown here and has established the area from the Bass Island and the southern shore of Lake Erie – stretching from Toledo into New York State – as the Lake Erie Appellation of Origin. When a Lake Erie designation is indicated on the label of a wine, it means that the grapes used in the wine came from this specific viticulture area.

Osteria Gusto

Experience the pleasure of fabulous food and fine wine at Osteria Gusto. Part restaurant and part professional exposition kitchen, it is a unique venue for private events as well as special events open to the public throughout the year. Join us for weekly wine and cheese tastings, an anniversary celebration, or birthday bash, and host your holiday party, family reunion, or wedding here!